Steering wheel protection device

ABSTRACT

A motor vehicle security device for protecting against the cutting of an automobile steering wheel which includes a protective member made of cut-resistant material for covering the steering wheel rim and a connector for attaching the protective member to the steering wheel rim. The protective member radially and circumferentially overlies the steering wheel rim to limit access to the rim and protect against cutting of the rim. The protective member is collapsible for convenient storage.

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/541,463 filed Oct. 10,1995.

The present invention relates to the art of anti-theft devices for motorvehicles and, more particularly, to a vehicle security device whichprotects against unauthorized operation and theft of the vehicle bylimiting access to the steering wheel.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

U.S. Pat. Des. Nos. 289,491 dated Apr. 28, 1987; 4,738,127 dated Apr.19, 1988; 4,856,308 dated Aug. 15, 1989; Des. 306,252 dated Feb. 27,1990; 4,935,047 dated Jun. 19, 1990; and 4,961,331 dated Oct. 9, 1990are incorporated by reference herein and illustrate types of mechanicalsecurity devices which are a part of or can be used in conjunction withthe present invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Over the past several years, there has been a growing demand by vehicleowners to better secure their vehicles against theft. Factors such asinconveniences and insurance premiums associated with the theft of avehicle or vehicle components have resulted in a demand for mechanismsto better secure a vehicle. In an effort to solve these securityproblems and demands, a substantial industry has been developed tomanufacture and promote various mechanisms which deter theft of avehicle. Common vehicle security mechanisms include electronic devicessuch as alarms and so called "killer" switches which disable the engineand/or ignition of a vehicle unless bypassed by the authorized operator.Mechanical devices such as steering wheel locks, which inhibitunauthorized operation of the vehicle by constraining the steering wheelagainst rotation when locked in position, are also available. However,all these vehicle security systems suffer from numerous disadvantages interms of cost, convenience and effectiveness.

Electronic alarms for motor vehicles have become well known in recentyears and also have many disadvantages associated with their use. Suchalarms are designed to be highly sensitive to physical force and/ormotion and activate the alarm when the vehicle is disturbed in any way.Consequently, such alarms are frequently activated accidentally byparking lot and service station attendants and/or the owners themselveswho neglect to deactivate the alarm system. The electronic alarms arealso prone to malfunction and tend to drain the battery of the vehicle.Finally, many of these electronic alarms require professionalinstallation, which is of high cost to a purchaser.

So called "killer" switches have also become popular in recent years.These switches serve to disable the vehicle usually at the ignitionsystem, unless the authorized operator deactivates the killer switch.These types of systems are very costly and suffer from the usualreliability problems associated with electronic devices installed in amotor vehicle. In addition, these devices require professional retailersto install the device after the vehicle leaves the manufacturing plantfor a substantial labor charge, since many of these systems are toocomplex for the general public to self-assemble. In addition, due to thecomplexity of these systems, a typical motorist is not knowledgeableregarding the deactivation of the system in case of a malfunction.

Vehicle security systems also include mechanical anti-theft deviceswhich restrain relative movement of various components within thevehicle such as a steering wheel, gas pedal, clutch or brake. Many ofthese mechanical designs include mechanical locks comprising a pair ofhooks at opposite ends of an elongated locking apparatus whereby thehooks are engaged to the steering wheel rim or the steering wheel rimand another component within the vehicle. These mechanical locks providevehicle security without the cost and complexity of electronic securitysystems and further provide the convenience of being usable selectivelyat the discretion of the motorist, as opposed to being an ever presentfixture of the vehicle which must inconveniently be attended to everytime the vehicle is operated. Nevertheless, mechanical locks positionedon the steering wheel or on the steering wheel and another component ofthe vehicle suffer from various short comings which essentially reducetheir effectiveness. The hooks and locks are typically made of hardenedsteel which resists bending, cutting or prying. While the mechanicallocks themselves are relatively indestructible and unremovable by athief, a thief can bypass such a security system by cutting through thesteering wheel rim and removing the mechanical security device. Areinforced steering wheel, which resists being cut, can be installed;however, such steering wheel systems require professional installationand can be very expensive. Also, certain vehicles are equipped withspecially designed steering wheels that include various features, suchas air bags, light switches and cruise control switches. These speciallydesigned steering wheels cannot be replaced by a generic reinforcedsteering wheel. Further, these specially designed steering wheels havealso become susceptible to theft. The growing demand for air bags hascreated a market for air bags and air bag parts. As a result, thievesare illegally removing the air bag and various air bag components fromvehicles. Mechanical locks are not designed to protect vandalism and/ortheft of components of steering wheels.

The prior art is thus seen to fail to provide a vehicle security devicewhich is economical, simple, and convenient to use and yet which isthoroughly effective in preventing theft of a vehicle and vandalism to asteering wheel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the above described disadvantages andothers and provides a vehicle security device which is inexpensive,convenient and effective in protecting against theft of a motor vehicle.

In accordance with the principal feature of the present invention, thereis provided a vehicle security device for limiting access to a steeringwheel. The steering wheel includes a rim having a front face and a backface, an inner edge and an outer edge and an inner edge radius and anouter edge radius. The security device designed to limit the access tothe steering wheel includes a face plate which is made up of at leasttwo plate sections and a mechanism for connecting the plate sectionstogether. Each plate section includes a peripheral edge which limitsaccess to the steering wheel rim. The mechanism for connecting the platesections together allows the plate to rotate within the plane of theface plate. The mechanism for connecting the plate sections also allowsthe plate sections to rotate between a collapsed and an open position.Each plate section includes at least one opening which is used toconnect and secure the plate sections to the steering wheel. Themechanical arrangement for connecting the plate sections together isgenerally located at the center of curvature of each plate section. Thecenter of curvature is generally located at the central axis of the faceplate. The plate sections are connected such that the sections can movebetween at least two positions whereby one position is a collapsedposition and a second position is a completely open position. The faceplate in the completely open position is selected to cover at least theinner edge of the steering wheel rim. Preferably, the distance betweenthe peripheral edge of each plate section when the plate sections are inthe completely open position is about 15-18 inches so as to cover atleast the inner edge of most foreign and domestic automotive builtsteering wheels. The face plate is made of a cut resistant material toresist unauthorized users from gaining access to the steering wheel.Preferably, the cut resistant material is a metallic material such assteel, steel alloys or other metal alloy. The metallic material may behardened to further resist cutting. The face plate is preferably coatedwith a non-abrasive material such as rubber or plastic to inhibit theoxidation of the metallic material and to reduce or prevent damage tothe steering wheel or vehicle when the security device is inserted andremoved from the steering wheel.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, each platesection has generally similar dimensions. The security device ispreferably divided into two plate sections. Each plate section includestwo legs having a first and second end and an outer arc of a givenradius connected between the first end of each of the two legs. The arcbetween the two legs forms a peripheral edge for each of the platesections. The angle between the legs is selected to form an angle ofless than 180°. The radius of the outer arc is also selected to be atleast equal to and preferably greater than the inner edge radius of thesteering wheel rim. The two plate sections are preferably connected atthe center of curvature of each plate. Preferably, the plate sectionsare connected together by a pin or a rivet at the center of curvature ofeach plate. However, other means may be used to connect the platesections together.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, at least oneopening in each of the plate sections are positioned diametrically aparton the security device when the plate sections are positioned in theircompletely open position. The opening on the plate sections arepositioned inwardly from the peripheral edge of each plate section. Theopenings are sized and positioned on each plate section to allow theplate sections to be connected to a steering wheel by use of amechanical device such as lock hook device as disclosed in U.S. Pat.Nos. 4,738,127; 4,856,308; 4,935,047 and 4,961,331. The mechanical hookspreferably include at least one hook which extends through the openingin each plate section and about the inner edge of the steering wheelrim. The mechanical lock hook device may be a device which is separatefrom the face plate or rigidly connected to the face plate. Once themechanical lock has been properly installed to secure the face plate tothe steering wheel, the mechanical lock maintains the face plate in anopen position on the steering wheel thereby protecting the steeringwheel from unauthorized users.

Still yet another aspect of the present invention, at least one of theplate sections includes a flange attached to the peripheral edge of theplate section. The flange preferably extends outward from the peripheraledge to further limit access to the steering wheel rim. Furthermore, theflange is preferably attached to substantially the entire peripheraledge of the plate section. The flange can take upon many designs and ispreferably cylindrical in shape to provide protection to the outer edgeof the steering wheel rim and can also be shaped to protect the outeredge and back face of the rim.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the securitydevice is shaped to accommodate steering wheels which include airbagcomponents which protrude from the face of the steering wheel.

In another aspect of the present invention, the face plate is rigidifiedto resist bending of the face plate. Rigidification is preferablyobtained by hardening material of the plate sections, re-enforcing theface of each plate section and/or corrugating the plate sections.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a vehicle security device connected to the steering wheel of amotor vehicle which protects the steering wheel rim from being cut andwhich limits rotation of the steering wheel. The rotation of thesteering wheel is preferably limited by a radial protrusion. The radialprotrusion is preferably made of a cut resistant material.

The principal object of the present invention is to provide a securitydevice which protects a motor vehicle against theft.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle steeringwheel device which is economical and convenient to use.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a vehiclesecurity device which protects the steering wheel from vandalism andunwanted theft.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a steeringwheel security device which limits the access to the steering wheel rimof the steering wheel to prevent cutting or severing of the rim.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a steeringwheel security device having a flange which further limits access to thesteering wheel rim.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a steering wheelsecurity device which prevents rotation of the steering wheel.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide asteering wheel device which can protect all types and shapes of steeringwheels.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle securitydevice which prevents the removal of airbags from the steering wheel.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a vehiclesecurity device which can be easily and conveniently stored when not inuse.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects of the invention will become apparentfrom the following description of the preferred embodiments thereoftaken together with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a security device in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the invention as shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the invention as shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a rear plan view of the invention without the attachmentmechanism and shows the face plate in an open position;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of the face plate in a collapsed position;and,

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along line 6--6 of FIG. 5.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein theshowings are only for the purposes of illustrating the preferredembodiments and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIG. 1illustrates a security device 10 which is designed to limit access tosteering wheel 20. Steering wheel 20 includes a steering wheel rim 22connected to hub 32 by steering wheel spokes 34. Steering wheel rim 22includes a front face 24, a back face 26, an inner edge 28 and an outeredge 30. Steering wheel rim is preferably circular in shape and theinner edge 28 defines an inner radius of the steering wheel rim andouter edge 30 defines an outer radius of steering wheel rim 22. However,the steering wheel rim may be of shapes other than circular. The outerradius of steering wheel rim 22 is preferably about 15 to 18 inches,wherein such radial dimensions encompasses most domestic and foreignsteering wheel configurations. Although not shown, the steering wheelhub may include an airbag for protection of the driver during suddenstops of the vehicle. Hub 32 may also include other steering wheelcomponents such as cruise control component, audio components, etc.Security device 10 includes face plate 40. Face plate 40 is designed tobe positioned on front face 24 of steering wheel rim 22 to limit accessto the rim by an unauthorized user. Face plate 40 preferably includesplate section 42 and plate section 44. Each of the plate sections arepreferably made of a cut resistant material such as carbon steel orstainless steel to make it difficult, if not impossible, for anunauthorized user to cut the plate sections and gain access to steeringwheel rim 22. However, other cut resistant materials can be used to formthe plate sections.

Each plate section includes a leg 70 and a leg 72, each leg having afirst and second end. The angle formed between the two legs is less than180° and is preferably 45°-135° and more preferably greater than 90°.Each plate section also includes a peripheral edge 74 which is connectedbetween the first end of legs 70, 72. Peripheral edge 74 preferablydefines a curvilinear surface between legs 70 and 72. The radius ofcurvature of peripheral edge 74 is preferably equal to or greater thanthe radius of curvature of inner edge 28 of steering wheel rim 22. Sucha radius size for peripheral edge 74 enables the peripheral edge toprotect at least inner edge 28 of the rim when plate sections 42 and 44are connected to steering wheel 20.

Each plate section preferably includes an inner surface defined by innerarc edge 75 connected between the second end of legs 70, 72. The radiusof curvature of the inner arc is preferably less than the radius ofcurvature of peripheral edge 74. Each plate section is also designedsuch that the center of curvature of peripheral edge 74 and center ofcurvature of inner arc edge 75 are generally the same for each platesection. Preferably, the center of curvature is located generally aboutthe central axis of face plate 40.

Plate section 42 and plate section 44 are connected together such thatthe plate sections can move about the central axis of face plate 40. Asshown in FIG. 1, the two plate sections are connected together by rivet80 which is positioned in connection hole 76 which is located on each ofthe two plate sections. Preferably, connection hole 76 is located at thecenter of curvature of peripheral edge 74 of the each plate section.Preferably, rivet 80 is positioned flush with the surface of the platesections as shown in FIG. 1. To this end, connection hole 76 ispreferably depressed into the plate section and a slope surface 78 isformed about connection hole 76.

Plate section 42 and plate section 44 preferably include generallyidentical dimensions so that the plate sections can be collapsed tominimize the size of the collapsed plate sections as illustrated in FIG.5.

As best illustrated in FIG. 4, plate section 42 includes opening 50 andplate section 44 includes opening 52. Each of these openings arepositioned inwardly from the peripheral edge 74 of each plate section.Opening 50 and opening 52 are designed and shaped to provide access to amechanical lock which secures the plate sections to steering wheel 20 asshown in FIG. 1. Preferably, opening 50 and opening 52 are symmetricallypositioned on the respective plate sections. Such positioning allows theplate sections to be properly attached to steering wheel rim 22 when theplate sections are positioned in their completely opened position.Furthermore, the symmetrical positioning of the openings provides for anaesthetically pleasing steering wheel protection device.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, each plate section preferably includes atleast one corrugated surface 86. The corrugated surface rigidifies theplate sections to make the cutting and/or bending of the plate sectionincreasingly difficult if not impossible. The corrugated surfaces alsoprovide for a design on the plate sections to make the plate sectionsmore aesthetically pleasing. The corrugated surfaces 86 are preferablypositioned adjacent to the two legs of the plate sections to maximizethe rigification effect from the corrugated surfaces 86.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-4, the plate section 42 includes flange 60 andplate section 44 includes flange 62. The flange on the respective platesection is designed to provide additional protection to steering wheelrim 22 when face plate 40 is positioned on the steering wheel. Theflanges are designed to extend outwardly from peripheral edge 74 of eachplate section. Preferably, the flanges are curvilinear in shape so as tobe positioned about outer edge 30 of steering wheel rim 22 when theplate section is positioned on the steering wheel rim to further limitaccess to the steering wheel rim by an unauthorized user. As shown inFIG. 2, the flanges preferably are connected along the completeperipheral edge 74 of each plate section; however, the flange may beselectively positioned along the peripheral edge 74 if desired. Theflanges may also be designed to extend about the back face of thesteering wheel rim to provide additional protection to the steeringwheel rim. The flanges are also designed to assist in securing faceplate 40 to the steering wheel when the plate sections are positioned ina completely opened position as will be described more full below. Theflanges may also preferably include a flange tab 64. The flange tab isdesigned to curve about the back face of steering wheel rim 22 toprovide protection to the steering wheel rim and to provide means formore conveniently attaching the face plate 40 to the steering wheel rim22 as will be more fully described below. Flange tab 64 may also bedesigned to also extend partially about the inner edge of steering wheelrim 22.

Referring again to FIG. 1, face plate 40 is connected to steering wheel20 by a mechanical lock device 90. Mechanical lock device 90 can be anyof a number of mechanical locks which can be attached to a steeringwheel. Preferably, the mechanical lock also limits rotation of thesteering wheel. Preferably, the mechanical locks similar to the onesprovided by Winner International under the trademark THE CLUB.Mechanical lock device 90 includes a tubular body portion 92, a rodmember 100 which is dimensioned to move in telescopic fashion withinbody portion 92. Lock body 92 also includes a key lock 96 and lockhousing 94 which are designed to secure rod 100 in position with respectto body portion 92. Rod 100 preferably includes grooves 102 which, asshown in the aforementioned patents, allow rod member 100 to preferablyratched into position in only one direction when key lock 96 is in thelock position. Mechanical lock 90 also includes two lock hooks 98 and104 respectively positioned on body portion 92 and rod member 100. Asillustrated in FIG. 1, lock hooks 98 and 104 have a U-shape design andare opened outwardly relative to one another. Lock body 92 also includesextension arm 110 which is designed to limit the rotation of steeringwheel 20 when the mechanical lock device is attached to the steeringwheel. The end of extension arm 110 is connected a handle 112. Handle112 is preferably a plastic gripper which slips over the end ofextension arm 110 and provides for easy handling and operation by anauthorized user of the mechanical lock device 90. Hook 104 includes anupper hook leg 106 and a lower hook leg 108. The two hook legs aredesigned to maintain the plate section 44 onto steering wheel 22, whichwill hereinafter be described below. Mechanical lock 90 is made of amaterial, such as hardened steel, which resists cutting by a saw or boltcutter.

The operation of the preferred embodiment of the security device willnow be described. As illustrated in FIGS. 4-6, face plate 40 can bemoved into a collapsed position whereby plate section 42 overlies platesection 44. The flanges of the two plate sections are designed such thatthe radius of curvature of flange 60 is greater than the radius ofcurvature of flange 62 so that when the two plate sections are collapsedinto the closed position as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the flanges overlapone another. The collapsed position of the face plate allows theauthorized user to easily store the plate section under the seat or in asmall compartment when not in use.

When the operator intends to secure the face plate to the steeringwheel, the plate sections are maintained in their closed or collapsedposition and are placed preferably on the top portion of steering wheelrim 22. In this position, the flanges and the respective flange tabs arepositioned on top of outer edge 30 and back face 26 of steering wheelrim 22. The face plate is then moved into the completely open positionby maintaining plate section 44 on the top portion of the rim androtating plate section 42 about rivet 80 until the two plate sectionsare oriented symmetrically on the steering wheel rim as illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2. As the plate section is rotated in the completely openposition, flange 60 and the respective flange tab 64 engage the outeredge 30 and back face 26 of steering wheel rim 22. Once the face plate40 is moved into the completely open position, the flanges and flangetabs on the two plate sections maintain the face plate on the steeringwheel rim 22. As readily apparent, the completely open face plate 40prevents an unauthorized user from gaining access to hub 32 of steeringwheel 20 and further limits access to steering wheel rim 22.

Face plate 40 is secured to the steering wheel rim in the completelyopen position by mechanical lock 90. Although mechanical lock 90 isshown to be a separate component, it will be appreciated that themechanical lock 90 can be rigidly integrated onto face plate 40 withonly minor modifications.

Mechanical lock 90 is secured onto face plate 40 and steering wheel 20by passing lower hook leg 108 through opening 52. The lower hook leg 108is then moved until it is positioned at least partially about back face26 of steering wheel rim 22. The movement of lower hook leg 108simultaneously positions upper hook leg 106 about the peripheral edge 74of plate section 44. As is evident from this positioning of hook 104,plate section 44 is secured to steering wheel rim 22. Once hook 104 issecured in the proper position, body portion 92 is ratchetly moved untilhook 98 is positioned over opening 50. As shown in FIG. 1, opening 50 islarger than opening 52 since hook 98 must be lowered into opening 50when hook 104 is positioned in opening 52. Once hook 98 is lowered intoopening 50, body portion 92 is ratchetly moved until hook 98 at leastpartially is about back face 26 of steering wheel rim 22. In thisposition, body portion 92 is positioned over peripheral edge 74 of platesection 42 thereby securing plate section 42 to steering wheel rim 22.As is readily apparent, once hook 98 and hook 104 are properlypositioned in opening 50 and opening 52, respectively, plate section 42and plate section 44 are maintained in their completely open positionand secured to steering wheel rim 22. In this arrangement, mechanicallock 90 is securely attached to steering wheel rim 22 and prevents anunauthorized user from rotating the steering wheel in view of extensionarm 110. Face plate 40 cooperates with mechanical lock device 90 bypreventing an unauthorized user from gaining access to steering wheelrim 22 and severing the rim to remove mechanical lock device 90 from thesteering wheel rim.

The security device 10 is as easily removed from steering wheel 20 by anauthorized user as it is being secured to the steering wheel. To removesecurity device 10, the authorized user unlocks key lock 96 and movesbody portion 92 toward hook 104 until hook 98 can be lifted out ofopening 50. Once hook 98 is lifted from opening 50, hook 104 is removedfrom opening 52. Mechanical lock 90 is then stored in its proper placeby the authorized user. Face plate 40 is removed from steering wheel rim22 by rotating plate section 42 about rivet 80 until the two platesections are in the collapsed position. The plate sections are thenlifted off of steering wheel rim 22 and stored in the vehicle by theoperator.

The invention has been described with reference to a preferredembodiment and alternates thereof. It is believed that manymodifications and alterations to the embodiments discussed will readilysuggest themselves to those skilled in the art upon reading andunderstanding the detailed description of the invention. It is intendedto include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they comewithin the scope of the present invention.

I claim:
 1. A vehicle security device adapted to limit access to asteering wheel which steering wheel includes a rim having a front face,a back face, an inner edge, an inner edge radius, and an outer edge,said security device comprising a cut resistant face plate lying in aplate plane and attachment means for connecting said face plate to saidsteering wheel, said face plate including at least two plate sectionsand plate connection means for connecting together each of said platesections, said plate connection means providing independent rotation ofeach of said plate sections in said plate plane between a collapsed anda completely open position, said attachment means including an openingon each of said plate sections and positioned inwardly from a peripheraledge of each of said plate sections and spaced on each of said platesections to be in a non-overlapping relationship with an adjacent platesections are in said completely open position, at least one of saidplate sections including two legs wherein each leg has a first end and asecond end and an outer peripheral edge connected between the first endof each leg, said two legs forming an angle of less than 180°.
 2. Adevice as defined in claim 1, wherein at least two of said platesections including two legs wherein each leg has a first end and asecond end and an outer arc of a given radius connected between thefirst end of each leg to form an outer peripheral edge of each of saidplate sections and a center of curvature of said outer arc.
 3. A deviceas defined in claim 2, wherein said two legs forming an angle betweenabout 45° to about 135°.
 4. A device as defined in claim 3, wherein saidangle between said legs is at least about 90°.
 5. A device as defined inclaim 1, wherein said face plate has two plate sections.
 6. A device asdefined in claim 2, wherein said face plate has two plate sections.
 7. Adevice as defined in claim 4, wherein said face plate has two platesections.
 8. A device as defined in claim 2, wherein said outer arc ofat least one of said plate sections having a given radius at least equalto said inner edge radius of said steering wheel.
 9. A device as definedin claim 2, wherein said plate connection means positioned substantiallyat said center of said curvature of each of said plate sections.
 10. Adevice as defined in claim 8, wherein said plate connection meanspositioned substantially at said center of said curvature of each ofsaid plate sections.
 11. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein saidplate connecting means includes a rivet.
 12. A device as in claim 2,wherein said outer arc includes a midpoint having a radial axispositioned equally from the first end of each leg, said plate sectionspositionable in a completely open position wherein the midpoint of eachplate section being diametrically opposed from each other.
 13. A deviceas defined in claim 12, wherein one of said at least one openings isinwardly positioned from said plate midpoint.
 14. A device as defined inclaim 1, wherein at least one of said plate sections includes flangemeans attached to the peripheral edge of said plate section andextending outward from said peripheral edge of said plate section.
 15. Adevice as defined in claim 2, wherein at least one of said platesections includes flange means attached to the peripheral edge of saidplate section and extending outward from said peripheral edge of saidplate section.
 16. A device as defined in claim 14, wherein said flangemeans are attached to substantially the entire peripheral edge of saidplate section.
 17. A device as defined in claim 15, wherein said flangemeans are attached to substantially the entire peripheral edge of saidplate section.
 18. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein saidattachment means includes means adapted to extend through each of saidopenings and about the inner edge of said steering wheel.
 19. A deviceas defined in claim 18, wherein said attachment means including a hook,said hook having a lower leg and an upper leg, said lower leg adapted toextend through said opening in at least one of said plate sections andat least partially about the back face of said rim, said upper legadapted to extend at least about the front face of said rim and theperipheral edge of at least one of said plate sections when said lowerleg is inserted through said opening.
 20. A device as defined in claim19, wherein said attachment means including two hooks positionedsubstantially diametrically apart adapted to extend through said openingin said plate sections.
 21. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein saidface plate including reinforcement means for rigidifying said faceplate.
 22. A device as defined in claim 21, wherein said reinforcementmeans including at least one corrugation in at least one of said platesections.
 23. A device as defined in claim 22, wherein said at least onecorrugation positioned substantially parallel to at least one leg of atleast one said plate sections.
 24. A device as defined in claim 1,including means for limiting rotation of said steering wheel.
 25. Adevice as defined in claim 24, wherein said means for limiting rotationextends radially outwardly from the edge of said face plate.
 26. Adevice as defined in claim 20, wherein said means for limiting rotationis connected to said face plate.
 27. A vehicle security device adaptedto limit access to a steering wheel which steering wheel includes a rimhaving a front face, a back face, an inner edge, an inner edge radius,and an outer edge, said security device comprising a cut resistant faceplate lying in a plate plane and attachment means for connecting saidface plate to said steering wheel, said face plate including at leasttwo plate sections and plate connection means for connecting togethereach of said plate sections, said plate connection means providingindependent rotation of each of said plate sections in said plate planebetween a collapsed and a completely open position, said attachmentmeans including an opening on each of said plate sections and positionedinwardly from a peripheral edge of each of said plate sections andspaced on each of said plate sections to be in a non-overlappingrelationship with an adjacent plate sections are in said completely openposition, at least two of said plate sections including two legs whereineach leg has a first end and a second end and an outer arc of a givenradius connected between the first end of each leg to form an outerperipheral edge of each of said plate sections and a center of curvatureof said outer arc, each of said two legs of each of said plate sectionsis substantially the same length and has a length greater than saidgiven radius of said outer arc, said second end of each of said two legsconnected to an inner arc having a radius less than said given radius ofsaid outer arc and having a center of curvature at substantially thesame point of said center of curvature of said outer arc.
 28. A deviceas defined in claim 27, wherein said outer arc of at least one of saidplate sections having a given radius at least equal to said inner edgeradius of said steering wheel.
 29. A device as defined in claim 27,wherein said plate connection means positioned substantially at saidcenter of said curvature of each of said plate sections.
 30. A device asdefined in claim 28, wherein said plate connection means positionedsubstantially at said center of said curvature of each of said platesections.
 31. A device as defined in claim 27, wherein said plateconnecting means includes a rivet.
 32. A device as in claim 27, whereinsaid outer arc includes a midpoint having a radial axis positionedequally from the first end of each leg, said plate sections positionablein a completely open position wherein the midpoint of each plate sectionbeing diametrically opposed from each other.
 33. A device as in claim31, wherein said outer arc includes a midpoint having a radial axispositioned equally from the first end of each leg, said plate sectionspositionable in a completely open position wherein the midpoint of eachplate section being diametrically opposed from each other.
 34. A deviceas defined in claim 32, wherein one of said at least one openings isinwardly positioned from said plate midpoint.
 35. A device as defined inclaim 33, wherein one of said at least one openings is inwardlypositioned from said plate midpoint.
 36. A device as defined in claim27, wherein at least one of said plate sections includes flange meansattached to the peripheral edge of said plate section and extendingoutward from said peripheral edge of said plate section.
 37. A device asdefined in claim 35, wherein at least one of said plate sectionsincludes flange means attached to the peripheral edge of said platesection and extending outward from said peripheral edge of said platesection.
 38. A device as defined in claim 36, wherein said flange meansis adapted to extend at least partially about the outer edge of saidsteering wheel when said face plate is positioned on said steeringwheel.
 39. A device as defined in claim 37, wherein said flange means isadapted to extend at least partially about said back face of saidsteering wheel when said face plate is positioned on said steeringwheel.
 40. A device as defined in claim 27, wherein said attachmentmeans includes means adapted to extend through each of said openings andabout the inner edge of said steering wheel.
 41. A device as defined inclaim 40, wherein said attachment means including a hook, said hookhaving a lower leg and an upper leg, said lower leg adapted to extendthrough said opening in at least one of said plate sections and at leastpartially about the back face of said rim, said upper leg adapted toextend at least about the front face of said rim and the peripheral edgeof at least one of said plate sections when said lower leg is insertedthrough said opening.
 42. A device as defined in claim 41, wherein saidattachment means including two hooks positioned substantiallydiametrically apart adapted to extend through said opening in said platesections.
 43. A device as defined in claim 27, wherein said face plateincluding reinforcement means for rigidifying said face plate.
 44. Adevice as defined in claim 43, wherein said reinforcement meansincluding at least one corrugation in at least one of said platesections.
 45. A device as defined in claim 44, wherein said at least onecorrugation positioned substantially parallel to at least one leg of atleast one said plate sections.
 46. A device as defined in claim 39,including means for limiting rotation of said steering wheel.
 47. Adevice as defined in claim 46, wherein said means for limiting rotationextends radially outwardly from the edge of said face plate.
 48. Adevice as defined in claim 47, wherein said means for limiting rotationis connected to said face plate.